St. Gregory was born in Rome of noble parents. His father was a senator and his mother was a saint, St. Celia. Gregory studied philosophy and while still young, became Governor of Rome.
When his father died, he turned his large house into a monastery. For several years he lived as a good and holy monk. Then Pope Pelagius made him one of the seven deacons of Rome, and when the Pope died, Gregory himself was chosen to take his place. The humble Saint did not want that honor at all. He was so holy and wise, however, that everyone knew he would be a good Pope. Gregory even tried to disguise himself and hide in a cave, but he was found and consecrated Pope, anyway.
For fourteen years he ruled the Church. He was one of the greatest Popes the Church has ever had, even though he always was a sickly man. St. Gregory wrote many books and preached to the people constantly. He cared for people all over the world. Indeed, he considered himself everyone’s servant. He was the first Pope to use the title “Servant of the servants of God.” Now, all the Popes use this title.
St. Gregory took special, loving care of poor people and strangers. Every day he used to feed them a good dinner. Once the Lord Himself came, dressed like one of the Saint’s poor guests. This Jesus did to show St. Gregory how pleased He was with his charity.
Once, when Gregory was still a monk, he saw some blonde boys up for sale in the slave market of Rome. He asked where they were from and was told that they were from England. The Saint felt a great desire to go to England to bring the Faith to those pagans. When he became Pope, one of the first things he did was to send some of his best monks to convert the English to Christ.
The last years of this holy Pope’s life were filled with terrible sufferings, yet he continued working for his beloved Church until the very end.
Every morning let us make the resolution to do at least one good deed of charity during the day.
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